Some tips for the Obamas on their new pup:
Some tips for the Obamas on their new pup:
Bo, the Obama family's new Portuguese water dog, is sure to get the best presidential care. He is the top dog, after all. But pet experts and Portie owners still have some advice for the first family on training their new pup. From Billy Rafferty, Portie owner and co-author of the upcoming book "Happy Dog: Caring For Your Dog's Body, Mind and Spirit": Be consistent in training. Don't let the dog get away with anything, or you will have to start training from the beginning. Watch out for counter-surfing — stealing food from the kitchen counters or the dinner table. Lots of exercise, as Porties are high-energy dogs.
From Stephen Zawistowski, executive vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Teach him manners as soon as possible. The basic commands — "sit," ''stay," ''come," ''down," ''heel," ''off" and "leave it," will improve the Obamas' relationship with Bo, and the dog's relationship with others. Use little bits of food as a lure and reward.
From Elena Gretch, certified dog trainer and Portie owner: Make sure the dog is well socialized. The presidential puppy should meet and interact with different people, children and other dogs in safe and controlled settings. The introductions should be staged so they are positive and fairly brief,.
From Andrea Arden, celebrity pet trainer of New York's Andrea Arden Dog Training: Pay attention to what you feed Bo. Avoid dog food with potential allergens and artificial flavors and preservatives. The first ingredient on the list should be a high-quality protein — chicken, beef or fish. Since Portuguese water dogs are energetic, feed the dog out of a food stuffable toy.
From Dr. Bonnie Beaver, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University: Make sure the dog gets good, routine health care. While vaccinations protect dogs from most infectious diseases, dogs can get heartworm disease and intestinal parasites.
From Steve Brooks, certified dog trainer of Los Angeles' SteveBrooksK9U: Change the name. Bo is not a good name for a dog because it sounds too much like 'no' and the dog is going to get confused. (The Obama daughters reportedly chose the name because Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley. Bo is an apparent reference to the singer Bo Diddley.) Diddley or Bowie would be more ideal — dogs generally respond better to two syllable names.
From Mary Burch, animal behaviorist, director of the American Kennel Club's S.T.A.R. Puppy Program (S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility): Establish consistent feeding times, exercise and bonding times. Consistent feeding time helps with house training. Puppies need a lot of exercise or they can develop what appear to be behavioral problems, such as nipping and biting. Family and play time will also help the puppy bond with everyone in the family.
From Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com, an online database of adoptable pets: The girls should form a strong relationship with Bo early on. She suggests Malia and Sasha participate in everyday activities, such as feeding him — sometimes even by hand — and getting his leash out when it's time for a walk. Simple gestures will help the new puppy develop a positive association with the girls and strengthen their bond.
Share on Facebook
- Posted on April 15, 2009
Animals
Art
Tips to the Obamas about their new dog:
1. always make sure the dog is fed because if you don't it to howl all night or it will die trust me I've listened to howling.
2. Do not feed the dog rain water or it will get worms
3. Make sure the dog is always wormed out because if the worms stay in it's stomach they will eat the dog's liver.
4. Make sure the dog gets enough exercise so it won't lose too much energy.
Bo is so cute i would fall in love with by the first minute.I have a way smaller i have a teacup is the smallest dog in the world her name is Chloe and Milo.Bo looks like he or her would be a really playful dog.
I think that this article is good because it will help me with ideas training my dog. Maybe I can help train my dog, Honey so she won't bark at everyone who comes in the door.
i dont think the white house needs a dog it causes problems breaks stuff and is a distracting and i can rip up papers that maybe important
I love Portuguse water dogs. Bo is a royal pup.Obama has a new friend (Man's best fraind). They probably deserved it since the y live in the White House.
That's what happens with dogs they get away with too many things. But they probably deserve it since they are pretty awesome. I have a frog!!!!!
Its cool that they are getting a puppy. Unlike that George Bush puppy who bit that reporter but I like his puppy. It brings more flare to the white house. You know dogs are a man's best friend. So I bet they are getting along.
Whats the big deal with Obamas dog its just a dog named bo so i have a friend named skybo and they call him bo i should get $1000 because have a friend named bo
OMG!!!!!Bo's sssssssoooooooo CUTE!!!!!!!!!! I wonder if he will learn any tricks. I hope he's a good dog. I just love dogs!!!!!!!! He looks like my dog just a lot taller!!!!!!!